Policy & Regulation

In the 2008 elections, the largest U.S. banks gave far more money to Barack Obama than John McCain, and more generally, favored Democratic candidates over Republicans.But after passage of the Dodd-Frank Act, the same banks are favoring Mitt Romney over President Obama. And they've tilted their contributions more toward Republican candidates.This slideshow looks at changes in campaign-finance trends at the largest banks over the last four years.

HUD is seeking comments on a proposed rule that would allow Farm Credit System lenders the ability to make FHA-backed loans. Since Farm Credit is already a GSE, bankers oppose the proposed rule.

Zombie mortgages, or home loans that are worth more than the underlying collateral of the house, are impeding a recovery in home sales and in the broader economy, according to Barclays Capital chief economist Dean Maki.

Congress should require the Federal Home Loan Banks to pay for an explicit government guarantee on their debt, according to a former GSE regulator and congressman.

President Obama, who has criticized Bank of America specifically and big banks in general, is scheduled to accept his party's nomination in the institution's home town.

In a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder, lawmakers suggest banks have colluded in announcing their fee increases after implementation of the interchange cap.

Savannah Bancorp Inc. in Georgia said earlier this week that its bank had entered into a written agreement with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency that reflects an "elevated level" of classified assets.

WASHINGTON — Credit unions appear to be facing an uphill battle in their ongoing effort to pass legislation that would double their cap on business lending.

A bipartisan bill in the House seeks to repeal the Durbin Amendment. But for now, at least, its prospects in the Senate appear dim.

Putting a commission in charge of the bureau would at best produce partisan gridlock, and risks handing the young agency over to financial institutions.